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Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
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Sleep in children with autism spectrum disorders
1Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, DC-7P, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA. johnsoky@ohsu.edu
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|May 8, 2008
Summary
Research shows many children and adolescents experience sleep problems, impacting daily function. This article focuses on sleep issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Developmental Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Childhood sleep problems are increasingly recognized, affecting approximately one-third of typically developing children and adolescents.
- Sleep difficulties are more prevalent in children with special needs, including developmental disabilities, psychiatric conditions, and medical illnesses.
- Improved sleep interventions can enhance daytime functioning, driving interest in characterizing sleep issues in special needs populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss sleep problems in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
- To highlight the increased rates of sleep disturbances in children with special needs.
- To underscore the importance of understanding sleep in neurodevelopmental disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and discussion of existing research on sleep in children with autism spectrum disorder.
- Analysis of the prevalence and characteristics of sleep disturbances in this population.
- Synthesis of findings regarding the impact of sleep problems on daytime functioning.
Main Results:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sleep problems at higher rates than typically developing peers.
- These sleep disturbances can significantly contribute to daytime dysfunction in children with ASD.
- Further research is needed to fully characterize and address sleep issues in this group.
Conclusions:
- Sleep problems are a significant concern for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
- Addressing sleep issues in ASD may lead to improvements in daytime behavior and overall functioning.
- Characterizing these sleep problems is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
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